Who says it is not easy being green? Pantone, the global authority on colour, named Emerald Green the colour of the year for 2013. Make no mistake this selection is a painstaking process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone combs the world looking for colour influences, which include the entertainment, fashion, the film industry, art collections, new artists, travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences also stem from technology, sport events and new textures and effects that impact colour. The colour chosen affects all industries, including fashion, home and industrial design as well as product packaging and graphic design. For 2013 this translates into green everything, from shoes, clothes, bags and nail colour to furniture, drapery and paints. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone says, "Green is the most abundant hue in nature—the human eye sees more green than any other colour in the spectrum." The colour green symbolises rebirth, clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is important to our daily lives. It is also a very misunderstood colour, one that many of you are afraid to use when it pertains to fashion and home interiors. I personally believe that the use of green can be powerful and appealing when used correctly, as it can evoke a sense of harmony, balance, sophistication and luxury.

So, how are you going to incorporate this colour into your decor? Emerald is a great colour to use with neutrals, goes well with greys and beiges and is also a wonderful complement to peaches, pinks, reds, purple, blue, black, metallics, and other greens. Does this mean you should paint the walls of your homes green? Maybe, but it is not necessary. I do not believe in decorating for trends; remember new colours are announced annually. However, you can infuse Emerald in subtle ways throughout your home. If you do not want to make a big investment in a trendy colour, you could consider repainting old furniture like a desk, chair, dresser or hutch. Emerald, when used in interiors, is seen as representing nature; it's a visually relaxing and a soothing colour. You can enhance your sense of well-being with a wall colour, accessories and other accents. An accent piece such as an elegant lamp or chandelier can be a powerful way to introduce emerald green to your space. This jewel-like colour will create a luxurious feel in your entry-way or dining room, or bring life to your living room by adding some fantastic decorative cushions and an area rug, along with pops of emerald green accessories.

For a classier look in your home, you can re-energise your bedroom with custom bedding, or jazz up your living room with custom window treatments installed in shades of emerald green. If you are really willing to step outside your box and be adventurous, instead of an accent wall, fill a wall with indoor green plants as a way of incorporating nature into your living space. This year feel free to add pizazz to your kitchen and dining room areas with emerald green dinnerware, appliances, stemware, trays, tea pots and so on. Fill the bathroom with a cheerful array of plush towels and accessories, also in emerald.

I hope you are inspired by this article. Now go and be green with style...Enjoy!